News Release Archive

EDUCATION/CULTURE--NEW DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS ANNOUNCED
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Peggy Walt has been selected as the new director of cultural
affairs for the Department of Education and Culture.

She was the unanimous choice for the position following a
selection process.

"We are confident Ms. Walt will prove to be an exceptional
director of cultural affairs," said Education and Culture
Minister Robbie Harrison. "Culture plays a vital role in Nova
Scotia life and it is important that we have someone of Ms.
Walt's quality overseeing the operations from a government
standpoint."

Ms. Walt has worked for the cultural affairs division since 1991.
In that time, her responsibilities have included working with the
province's book and magazine publishing, the film and recording
sectors and managing special research projects. She also worked
closely with the steering committee in establishing the Nova
Scotia Arts Council.

Mr. Harrison also thanked the selection committee members for
their commitment to the selection process. Committee members
were: Alice Mansell, president of the Nova Scotia College of Art
and Design; Henry Bishop, chief curator, Black Cultural Centre;
John Hobday, executive director, Samuel & Sadie Bronfman Family
Foundation in Montreal; and Candace Stevenson, executive
director, heritage and culture branch, Department of Education
and Culture.

Mr. Bishop said the successful candidate displayed a strong
sensitivity to cultural issues in Nova Scotia. "Ms. Walt had a
real appreciation for the way all cultures fit together in our
province. She is well respected within the cultural community and
she has an ability to work well with all interested parties."

Ms. Walt assumes her new position immediately.

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Contact: Doug Hadley  902-424-3999

trp                       Jan. 9, 1997 - 8:30 a.m.